Bone Pin Guide and Clamp for Accurate Pelvic Registration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Intra-operative registration of the pelvis during surgical procedures, particularly hip replacement, is challenging due to the complex geometry of the pelvis, especially the concave nature of the acetabulum, necessitating improved methods for increased accuracy and reduced registration time.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for registering patient data with a computer model using tracking devices and computing systems to align intra-operative centers of rotation, compare distances, and perform transformations, incorporating bone pin guides and clamps for precise registration, and utilizing surgical navigation systems for accurate alignment of surgical tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional registration methods are used for pelvic registration, then the registration process can be completed, but the accuracy is insufficient due to the complex geometry of the pelvis and the concave nature of the acetabulum

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveregistration accuracyVSAvoidregistration system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The registration process is divided into multiple stages: initial registration using anatomical landmarks, followed by refinement using the registration tool with bone pins. The complex pelvic registration problem is segmented into manageable steps, each addressing specific geometric challenges of the acetabulum and pelvis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A registration tool serving as an intermediary device is introduced, which includes bone pins that can be inserted into the iliac crest and a clamp mechanism. This intermediary tool bridges the gap between the complex pelvic geometry and the navigation system, enabling accurate registration through physical reference points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If traditional registration methods are used, then the registration process can be completed, but the registration time is excessive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveregistration speedVSAvoidregistration accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Anatomical landmarks are identified and marked before the actual registration process begins. The registration tool is prepared with bone pins positioned at predetermined locations on the iliac crest, allowing the registration to proceed more quickly without sacrificing accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The manual, time-consuming process of traditional landmark-based registration is supplemented by a mechanical registration tool with clamps and bone pins that provide stable, repeatable reference points. This mechanical system reduces variability and speeds up the registration process while maintaining or improving accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple surgical tools with different functions and configurations are used in hip replacement surgery, then the surgical capabilities are enhanced, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurgical tool versatilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The registration tool is designed as a universal device that can accommodate multiple surgical scenarios and tool types. The clamp mechanism and bone pin configuration can be adapted for different registration requirements, and the system can integrate with various surgical tools including reamers, impactors, and imaging devices, reducing the need for multiple specialized registration devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3758640B1Registration tools and systems
Publication Date: 2026.03.18 MAKO SURGICAL CORP
  • EP3758640B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3758640B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3758640B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

A registration system including a bone pin guide and a bone pin clamp. The bone pin guide may include a guide body, a first guide including a first guide through-hole having a first longitudinal axis, and a second guide including a second guide through-hole having a second longitudinal axis. The bone pin guide may guide first and second bone pins into a bone via the first and second guides. The bone pin clamp may include a clamp body, first, second, and third clamp through-holes extending through the clamp body, a plurality of registration indents defined on the clamp body, and a clamping mechanism including at least one adjustable fastener. The bone pin clamp may receive the first and second bone pins in the first and third clamp through-holes and guide a third bone pin into the bone via the second clamp through-hole.